Diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid, protein and fibres slashes body weight and beyond!

Based on the 1-year outcomes of the NutriAct Trial, the intake of a diet comprising of high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), protein and fibres was found to effectively reduce visceral adipose tissue and cardiometabolic risk markers, irrespective of body weight loss, communicated a study published in ‘Nutrients’ journal.

Conducted over 36 months, Nina Marie Tosca Meyer and researchers performed the NutriAct trial involving 502 participants aged 50 to 80. They were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group's dietary plan emphasized a high intake of mono-/polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA/PUFA: 15–20% E/10–15% E), mainly plant protein (15–25% E), and fibre (≥30 g/day). Meanwhile, the control group adhered to typical dietary recommendations, consisting of 55% E carbohydrates, 30% E fat and 15% E protein. MRI scans were directed on a subgroup of 300 participants at the beginning of the study and after 12 months, together with additional metabolic assessments. 

While both groups experienced a slight reduction in body mass index, the intervention group witnessed a significant decrease in visceral adipose tissue, whereas it remained unchanged in the control group. Further analysis revealed that the reduction in visceral adipose tissue with the intervention diet was associated with an increase in PUFA intake, which also led to a decline in the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.